Australia Tours

Discover dynamic Australia and all its natural wonders on a tailor-made customized tour. With your private guide, tour cosmopolitan Sydney with its famous Opera House, Harbour Bridge and stupendous view. Then head to awe-inspiring Ayers Rock (Uluru). As the sun descends in a blaze of reds and oranges, hear one lone didgeridoo horn echo across the desert before feastin ...g on succulent shrimp, seared on the ‘barbie.’ On a palm-fringed beach, sink your toes into pristine white sand. Or dive the Great Barrier Reef and discover the most spectacular marine life on the planet. With your knowledgeable Aboriginal guide, explore Daintree Rainforest, among the world’s oldest. Then sleep at an award-winning eco-lodge and spa surrounded by exquisite beauty. As for kids? Our tailor-made tours have them sailing the sea in a catamaran, sleeping in tree-tops, gazing at a starry sky with an astronomer and experiencing a ‘Roar and Snore’ safari adventure in a zoo. Whatever your desire, let our experts create a personalized itinerary for an Australian tour in the breathtaking beauty of ‘Down Under.’Show More

See the best of Australia on this spectacular journey through Sydney, the Sunshine Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Melbourne. With pristine islands, rugged outback, bountiful vineyards and world-class cities, Australia is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

From making footprints in the rich red earth around the base of Uluru in the scorched Australian outback, to hiking through the misty alpine forests of Queenstown, you’ll experience all the extreme contrasts of the lands down under.

Embrace the wild beauty of Australia’s southern island state as you explore unspoiled Tasmania the quintessential way - with your own self-driven rental car. Take to the open town and experience incredible national parks, quaint coastal towns, quirky wildlife, gourmet cuisine & much more.

BEFORE YOU GO

On Your Australia Tour

Introduction

Unique Experiences

PASSPORTS

VISAS

INSURANCE

VACCINATIONS

MEDICATION

WEATHER, SEASONS & CLIMATE

ELECTRICITY, PHONE & INTERNET

CURRENCY

Quick Facts

Traveling in Australia

A laid-back destination with something for the whole family, Australia is the ideal year-round getaway. With the perfect blend of urbanity and tranquility, there’s little not to love about the land Down Under. Whether you’re intrigued by the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, beautiful Outback, or the over 25,000 miles of coastline, booking a luxury tour is the best way to take in the Land Down Under.

Unique Travel Experiences in Australia

Great Barrier Reef

Located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see on all tours to Australia. Comprising nearly 3,000 individual reefs along with 900 islands, it stretches over more than 100,000 square miles and is home to thousands of species of fish, mammals, sharks, and coral.

One of the most distinct natural phenomenons in the world, it has been named one of the seven natural wonders of the world and designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Every year, visitors flock to dive into its warm, clear waters, take advantage of its gorgeous vistas, and enjoy its vast biodiversity.

Surfing Bondi Beach

Whether you are a first-time surfer or spend every weekend catching waves, Bondi Beach is one of the best destinations to have fun in the water. With mesmerizing views and an accredited surf school right on the beach, visitors of all levels can stop by and have a good time.

Do some shopping on the pier then hit the water for an iconic Australian experience. More expert wave-riders should check out South Bondi, where southerly swells create a crescendo of right-hander waves. Stop by early in the morning to watch the sunrise with the locals, and then, surf’s up!

Australia’s Wine Regions

Not only does Australia produce a large volume of wine, it’s also not shy about sharing it with the world. The country is the fourth-largest exporter of wine, and sends more of its product to other countries than it consumes domestically.

Every Australian state produces wine, with the major regions being Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Margaret River and Yarra Valley.

The Barossa Valley is most strongly identified with Shiraz, its signature grape. These wines are powerful and full-bodied, taking on a variety of notes depending on the soil and cultivation.

In Hunter Valley, the most iconic variety is Semillon, a dry, sweet white wine made with golden grapes. It was first produced in the area in the early 19th century.

Margaret River wines are varied, and are roughly evenly split between whites and reds, including Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chenin Blanc.

Yarra Valley is renowned for Chardonnay, sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. It has become one of the most popular and most-visited wine regions in the country, hosting millions of tourists every year.

Visit Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, is a large sandstone formation in Central Australia. One of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, it has been designated a World Heritage Site due to its geographic and cultural significance.

For aboriginals, it is a sacred monument. The local Pitjantjatjara tribe believes that it rose during the fabled Dreamtime, which imbued it with ancestral spirits.

It is visually stunning, glowing different colors depending on the time of day and year. Most notably, it shines red at dawn and dusk. Its beauty and history make it one of the most culturally important things to do in Australia.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Built in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most stunning things to see in Australia. Simply called “the Bridge” by locals, it is the sixth-longest spanning-arch bridge, and the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, measuring 440 feet from sea level to the top.

The silhouette of the bridge, lit up against the night sky, is one of the most quintessential images of Australia. As a symbol of national pride, it has been featured prominently in a number of campaigns, including the area’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, where it can be seen illuminated by fireworks.

Passport Requirements for Australia Tours

American and Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended return date in order to enter and depart the country. Tourists must also provide proof of return or onward travel. Each traveler is responsible for ensuring that his/her passport is up to date. Citizens of other nationalities should check with respective authorities before departure.

Please ensure that the name on your passport matches all travel documents we have issued. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately.

Please make a photocopy of your passport’s identification page and keep it separate from your original. It’s also a good idea to leave a digital copy with someone at home. This may speed up the replacement process should you lose your passport.

Visa Requirements for Australia Tours

Travelers to Australia are required to obtain a visa before traveling to the country for any purpose. US and Canadian citizens are eligible for Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) which cost AUD20 and are electronically linked to your passport, allowing for easy travel to Australia. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Australian Embassy for the most up-to-date visa information.

Insurance Recommendations for Australia Tours

Cancelation and Medical Insurance is highly recommended as it can safeguard against the expenses associated with in-country medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage and emergency cancelation or interruption of your trip. Medical facilities in Australia are comparable to North American facilities. Please ensure your policy will provide you with upfront medical coverage so that you are not responsible for a hefty medical bill. Insurance can be purchased through us.

Vaccination Requirements for Australia Tours

Currently Required Vaccinations: None

We always recommend that you see a doctor or health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. They will best determine your vaccination and medication needs based on your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, planned activities and up-to-the-minute requirement changes.

Medication Requirements for Australia Tours

If there are any medical items that are essential to your health, such as prescription drugs or corrective eye wear, bring duplicates and divide them between your checked bags and hand luggage. While non-prescription drugs such as aspirin are generally available, it is difficult to replace prescription items.

Weather, Seasons and Climate in Australia

Australia is a large island and as such, the climate varies greatly from region to region. In general, the north end of the country receives hot and tropical weather, while the south end is sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall occurs around the coasts. The winter season is from June-August while the dry season, and the wet summer season is from December-February. In many parts of the country, seasonal high and lows can be great with temperatures ranging from above 50 °C (122 °F) to well below zero. For up-to-date forecasts, check weather.com.

Electricity, Phone and Internet in Australia

Electricity in Australia is supplied at 220-240 volts. Square, three-pin sockets are standard in Australia. A multi-adaptor with different plug configurations can be very useful. We advise not to bring a hair dryer as it could blow a fuse.

Phone: Roaming charges vary between carriers, but tend to be quite costly. Consult your phone provider prior to departure to discuss overseas rates and international package options. It is also possible to purchase a SIM card locally to avoid international charges when calling numbers within Australia. (You should check to see that your cell phone is SIM card compatible.)

Internet: There are a variety of internet cafes and centers in most urban areas.

Currency in Australia

Generally speaking, we advise bringing $70-100 per day, per person, for spending money. Be sure to bring lots of small bills for porters, wait staff and housekeeping (not obligatory and based on your satisfaction). Bills come in different colors and denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar notes are available. Australian coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 dollars.

We recommend that you get local currency from your bank before you leave home or from a bank machine in-country which is much cheaper than an exchange service at the airport or in tourist areas. Your bank card may work, but Visa or MasterCard are also widely accepted. It is suggested to call your bank and inform them of your travels before leaving, so suspicious activity is not suspected.

Quick Facts for a Australia Tour

Capital: Canberra

Language: English

Currency: Australian Dollars (AUD)

Religion: No official religion

Time Zone: UTC +8 to +10

Electricity: 240V/50Hz

Telephone: Country code for calling you from outside Australia is +61

Calling North America: Dial 001 and your 10 digit number

Emergency numbers in Australia: Dial 000 or 112 for any type of emergency.

See What Our

CLIENTS ARE SAYING

See What Our

CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Edith R., April 6, 2016
"We had a wonderful experience with Kensington Tours."

Jim M., March 22, 2016
"Excellent tour.
"

Diane F., December 24, 2015
"From start to finish the process was fun. The trip was spectacular."

JohnDanielson, October 3, 2014
"It was the trip of a lifetime. Our travel consultant Daniel did a great job, both pre-trip and post-trip."

Susan Pope, March 2, 2014
"We were happy to see New Zealand and experience everything from glow worm caves to fjords to a Maori hangi and geothermals. "